A clean-up operation has been launched after oil was discovered on four Kent beaches.

Dog walkers have been urged to keep their pets on leads when visiting Louisa Bay, Dumpton Gap, Stone Bay and Viking Bay, all in Broadstairs, as crews attempt to remove the deposits on the coast.

Warning signs have also been erected in the area urging visitors not to go below the high-water mark.

A Thanet District Council spokesman revealed: "A number of small oil deposits have washed up between Stone Bay and Dumpton Gap.

"The beaches are being cleared. Please do not go below the high-water mark until the warning signs have been removed."

The authority is urging anyone who spots oil deposits at any other beach in the district to contact its teams on 01843 577000.